Nick Clegg: Banning Extremists Like Anjem Choudary From TV Would Make Them 'Heroes'

Banning extremists from television would only and increase their influence, Nick Clegg has said.

"If you try and brush people under the carpet what you often end up doing is turning them into more powerful more extremist figures," he said.

In the wake of last week's attack in Woolwich home secretary Theresa May indicated she would look at granting TV regulator OFCOM the power to stop broadcasts of radical preachers.

Her comments followed complaints that the BBC and Channel 4 were wrong to give a platform to Anjem Choudary - the founder of a banned Islamist group Al Muhajiroun.

May said: "I think Anjem Choudary has disgusting views and I think it is right that we look at how those views are being presented and I think there were many people who did indeed say 'What is the BBC doing interviewing Anjem Choudary?"

And faith and communities minister Baroness Warsi, the most senior Muslim in government, said giving Choudary airtime "undermines the painstaking work community organisations do every day to create understanding". She added: "He simply incites hatred and community tension."

But Clegg told LBC Radio on Thursday morning that for the government to start telling broadcasters who they could and could not interview "would destroy democracy and freedom and the freedom of expression we all treasure".

The Lib Dem leader said the way to counter people like Choudary was for "more moderate Muslim leaders" to speak out against him.

"Choudary does not represent the vast majority of Muslims in this country," he said. "I think abhorrent ideologies are best defeated when they are argued against, when they are demolished, when they are shown up to be as perverted and corrupt as they are."

Clegg said to ban him from the screens would not work. "He would become a hero. He would become a hero in his own community. Far from discrediting his appalling ideology, it would turn him into a figurehead. Is that smart? I don't think that's smart."

Adebolajo purchases knife set and sharpener from Argos at 14:13 on 21 May 2013

Adebolajo enters Argos in Lewisham at 13:55 on 21 May 2013

a still showing bullet damage to a green telephone box

a still showing bullet damage to the wall

a still of Lee Rigby at Woolwich DLR station on 22 May 2013

The gun used

The family of Fusilier Lee Rigby, wife Rebecca with son Jack arrive at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The hearse carrying the coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby arrives at Bury Parish church in Bury, Greater Manchester, ahead of his funeral tomorrow.

The family of Fusilier Lee Rigby, wife Rebecca with son Jack arrive at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

Mourners including wife Rebecca with son Jack (right) arrive at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of the funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The family of Fusilier Lee Rigby, wife Rebecca with son Jack arrive at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is carried into Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is carried into Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is carried into Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The family of Fusilier Lee Rigby, Wife Rebecca with son Jack leave Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, after a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is carried into Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

Rebecca Rigby carries her son Jack alongside her mother Susan Metcalfe as the leave Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, after a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

Crowds line the streets as coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

Lyn Rigby (centre) the mother of Fusilier Lee Rigby leaves Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, after a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

Aimee West, fiancee of Fusilier Lee Rigby, (second left black stripy top), watches as wife Rebecca Rigby, carrying son Jack, follows the coffin as it arrives at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought into Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The hearse carrying the coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby arrives at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is brought to Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

The coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby is carried into Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, for a vigil on the eve of his funeral.

An envelope addressed to Middleton in Manchester and Woolwich in London, sent from Barbados, sent to Rebecca Rigby, wife of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, during a media interview in the run up to her husbands funeral.

Ian and Lyn Rigby, step-father and mother of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, following a media interview in the run up to their sons funeral.

Armed police officers (L and C) secure the area along with a Metropolitan Police officer (R) following the arrival of a police van carrying British man Michael Adebolajo, a prime suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, at Westminster Magistrates court in central London on June 3, 2013. Michael Adebolajo, 28, was due to appear in a London court for his first court hearing after he was charged on June 1 with the murder of Lee Rigby. He has also been charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

A police van carrying British man Michael Adebolajo, a prime suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, arrives at Westminster Magistrates court in central London on June 3, 2013. Michael Adebolajo, 28, was due to appear in a London court for his first court hearing after he was charged on June 1 with the murder of Lee Rigby. He has also been charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

British man Michael Adebolajo, a prime suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, at Westminster Magistrates court in central London

Armed police officers stand guard following the arrival of a police van carrying British man Michael Adebolajo, a prime suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, at Westminster Magistrates court in central London on June 3, 2013. Michael Adebolajo, 28, was due to appear in a London court for his first court hearing after he was charged on June 1 with the murder of Lee Rigby. He has also been charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Armed police officers secure the area following the arrival of a police van carrying British man Michael Adebolajo, a prime suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, at Westminster Magistrates court in central London on June 3, 2013. Michael Adebolajo, 28, was due to appear in a London court for his first court hearing after he was charged on June 1 with the murder of Lee Rigby. He has also been charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

A police van (back R) carrying British man Michael Adebolajo, a prime suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, arrives at Westminster Magistrates court in central London on June 3, 2013. Michael Adebolajo, 28, was due to appear in a London court for his first court hearing after he was charged on June 1 with the murder of Lee Rigby. He has also been charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Armed police officers (L and C) secure the area along with a Metropolitan Police officer (R) following the arrival of a police van carrying British man Michael Adebolajo, a prime suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, at Westminster Magistrates court in central London on June 3, 2013. Michael Adebolajo, 28, was due to appear in a London court for his first court hearing after he was charged on June 1 with the murder of Lee Rigby. He has also been charged with the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

People view floral tributes at the scene of the murder, last week of British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers outside Woolwich Barracks in southeast London, on May 31, 2013. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

Floral tributes are seen at the scene of the murder, last week of British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers outside Woolwich Barracks in southeast London, on May 31, 2013. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

A woman leaves a floral tribute outside Woolwich Barracks near the scene of the murder, last week of British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers outside Woolwich Barracks in southeast London, on May 31, 2013. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

A vietnamese woman prays among floral tributes at the scene of the murder, last week, of British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers outside Woolwich Barracks in southeast London, on May 31, 2013. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

Police officers stand beside floral tributes at the scene of the murder, a week ago, of British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers outside Woolwich Barracks, southeast London on June 1, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Police officers stand beside floral tributes at the scene of the murder, a week ago, of British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers outside Woolwich Barracks, southeast London on June 1, 2013. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Floral tributes are seen at the scene of the murder, last week of British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers outside Woolwich Barracks in southeast London, on May 31, 2013. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

A woman views floral tributes at the scene of the murder, last week, of British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers outside Woolwich Barracks in southeast London, on May 31, 2013. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Michael Adebowale, flanked by two police officers in the dock, during his appearance at Westminster Magistratesâ Court in London where he accused of murdering Drummer Lee Rigby on May 22, as well as possession of a firearm, a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 Revolver, with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.

A police van allegedly carrying 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, a suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, heads towards the Westminster Magistrates Court in central London, Thursday, May 30, 2013. Adebowale was charged late Wednesday by counterterrorism officers and will appear in court on Thursday, police said. He is one of two main suspects in the killing of Rigby, 25, who was struck by a car and stabbed to death last week near his barracks in southeast London's Woolwich district. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

A police van believed to be transporting 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, a suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London, Thursday, May 30, 2013. Two men attacked and killed the off-duty soldier in broad daylight, in southeast London's Woolwich area on Wednesday, May 22. They were shot by police and arrested on suspicion of murder. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

British police officers secure the back entrance of Westminster Magistrates Court in central London, as they wait for a police van carrying 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, a suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, Thursday, May 30, 2013. Two men attacked and killed the off-duty soldier in broad daylight, in southeast London's Woolwich area, Wednesday, May 22. They were shot by police and arrested on suspicion of murder. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

A police van allegedly carrying 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, a suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, enters the Westminster Magistrates Court in central London, Thursday, May 30, 2013. Adebowale was charged late Wednesday by counterterrorism officers and will appear in court on Thursday, police said. He is one of two main suspects in the killing of Rigby, 25, who was struck by a car and stabbed to death last week near his barracks in southeast London's Woolwich district. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

A police van believed to be transporting 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, a suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London, Thursday, May 30, 2013. Two men attacked and killed the off-duty soldier in broad daylight, in southeast London's Woolwich area on Wednesday, May 22. They were shot by police and arrested on suspicion of murder. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

A police van believed to be transporting 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, a suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London, Thursday, May 30, 2013. Two men attacked and killed the off-duty soldier in broad daylight, in southeast London's Woolwich area on Wednesday, May 22. They were shot by police and arrested on suspicion of murder. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

A police van believed to be transporting 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, a suspect in the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby, arrives at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London, Thursday, May 30, 2013. Two men attacked and killed the off-duty soldier in broad daylight, in southeast London's Woolwich area on Wednesday, May 22. They were shot by police and arrested on suspicion of murder. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Videograb image taken from PA Video of Aimee West (khaki to), the fiancee of murdered soldier Drummer Lee Rigby looking at the floral tributes left near the scene of his death in Woolwich, south-east London yesterday.

Videograb image taken from PA Video of Aimee West (khaki to), the fiancee of murdered soldier Drummer Lee Rigby looking at the floral tributes left near the scene of his death in Woolwich, south-east London yesterday.

Videograb image taken from PA Video of Aimee West (khaki to), the fiancee of murdered soldier Drummer Lee Rigby looking at the floral tributes left near the scene of his death in Woolwich, south-east London yesterday.

Family members of Drummer Lee Rigby leave after they looked at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Lyn Rigby, mother of Drummer Lee Rigby, holding a teddy bear joins other family members as they look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Lyn Rigby, mother of Drummer Lee Rigby, holding a teddy bear joins other family members as they look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Lyn Rigby, mother of Drummer Lee Rigby, holding a teddy bear joins other family members as they look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Lyn Rigby, mother of Drummer Lee Rigby, holding a teddy bear joins other family members as they look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Lyn Rigby, mother of Drummer Lee Rigby, holding a teddy bear joins other family members as they look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Police activity close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich.

Police officers hand out leaflets as they appeal for witnesses to the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby, near the Royal Artillery Barracks, in Woolwich, east London.

Commander Simon Letchford speaking to the media outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, in Woolwich, east London.

A police officer hands out leaflets to motorists as police appeal for witnesses to the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby, near the Royal Artillery Barracks, in Woolwich, east London.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who was praised for her bravery in calmly talking to one of the attackers as he stood clutching a knife with bloodied hands, looks at the floral tributes outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, in Woolwich, east London.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who was praised for her bravery in calmly talking to one of the attackers as he stood clutching a knife with bloodied hands, stands next to the floral tributes outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, in Woolwich, east London.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who was praised for her bravery in calmly talking to one of the attackers as he stood clutching a knife with bloodied hands, looks at the floral tributes outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, in Woolwich, east London.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who was praised for her bravery in calmly talking to one of the attackers as he stood clutching a knife with bloodied hands, stands next to the floral tributes outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, in Woolwich, east London.

The scene at the junction of Artillery Place and John Wilson Street which has become a shrine to Drummer Lee Rigby, who was murdered on Tuesday afternoon, and has become a vocal point for local people to show their sympathy and support, in Woolwich south east London.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, who was praised for her bravery in calmly talking to one of the attackers as he stood clutching a knife with bloodied hands, stands next to the floral tributes outside the Royal Artillery Barracks, in Woolwich, east London.

Members of the public look on, as Drummer Lee Rigby's family look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Members of the public look on, as Drummer Lee Rigby's family look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Drummer Lee Rigby's widow Rebecca, clutching a Peppa Pig soft toy, joins other family members as they look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Drummer Lee Rigby's widow Rebecca, clutching a Peppa Pig soft toy, joins other family members as they look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

Drummer Lee Rigby's family members look at floral tributes outside Woolwich Barracks as they visited the scene of his murder in Woolwich, south-east London.

A card tied to a street sign believed to have been left by the family of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, close to the scene where he was murdered near to Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday, in Woolwich south east London.

Flowers and a card tied to a street sign believed to have been left by the family of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, close to the scene where he was murdered near to Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday, in Woolwich south east London.

Flowers and a card tied to a wreath believed to have been left by the family of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, close to the scene where he was murdered near to Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday, in Woolwich south east London.

A balloon, flowers and a card tied to a street sign believed to have been left by the family of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, close to the scene where he was murdered near to Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday, in Woolwich south east London.

A framed set of 4 pictures and a bottle of HP Sauce believed to have been left by the sister of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, close to the scene where he was murdered near to Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday, in Woolwich south east London.

Flowers and a card tied to a wreath believed to have been left by the family of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, close to the scene where he was murdered near to Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday, in Woolwich south east London.

Flowers and a card believed to have been left by the family of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, close to the scene where he was murdered near to Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday, in Woolwich south east London.

Flowers, pictures and a bottle of HP sauce believed to have been left by the sister of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, close to the scene where he was murdered near to Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday, in Woolwich south east London.

Family members of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, (left to right) his mother and stepfather Lyn and Ian Rigby and his wife Rebecca Rigby, as his stepfather reads a family statement at a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

A teddy bear bought by murdered soldier Lee Rigby for his son, Jack, sits alongside a family photograph after a family statement was read out by his stepfather Ian Rigby, at a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

The family of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, (left to right front row), his wife Rebecca Rigby, his sister Sara McClure and his mother and stepfather Lyn and Ian Rigby, arrive to read a family statement during a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Rebecca Rigby, the wife of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, cries during a family press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Rebecca Rigby, the wife of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, wipes her eyes during a family press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Lyn Rigby ,the mother of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, holds a teddy bear bought by Lee for his son, Jack, during a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Family members of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, (left to right) his mother and stepfather Lyn and Ian Rigby and his wife Rebecca Rigby and her mother Susan Metcalfe, as his stepfather reads a statement at a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Lyn Rigby, (right) the mother of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, is supported by her daughter Sara McClure, whilst she holds a teddy bear bought by Lee for his son, Jack, during a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Rebecca Rigby, the wife of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, cries as a family statement is read to the media during a family press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Rebecca Rigby, the wife of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, cries as a family statement is read to the media during a family press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Family members of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, (left to right) his mother and stepfather Lyn and Ian Rigby and his wife Rebecca Rigby, as his stepfather reads a statement at a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

The mother of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, Lyn, comforts her husband and stepfather to Lee, Ian Rigby, as he reads a family statement, to the media during a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Family members of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, (left to right) Sara McClure , sister, his mother and stepfather Lyn and Ian Rigby, Rebecca Rigby, mother of their two-year-old son Jack, Susan Metcalfe (mother-in-law) and Ray Dutton (brother-in-law) as his stepfather reads out a family statement to the media during a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Bury in Greater Manchester.

Police officers search the scene following an attack in Woolwich yesterday which left a serving soldier Drummer Lee Rigby dead and his two attackers shot and injured by police.

A floral tributes outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, left following an attack in Woolwich yesterday which left a serving soldier dead and his two attackers shot and injured by police.

A floral tribute outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, left following an attack in Woolwich yesterday which left a serving soldier dead and his two attackers shot and injured by police.

A man weeps outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as he looks at floral tributes left following an attack in Woolwich yesterday which left a serving soldier dead and his two attackers shot and injured by police.

Soldiers walk past floral tributes outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, left following an attack in Woolwich yesterday which left a serving soldier dead and his two attackers shot and injured by police.

Soldiers walk past floral tributes outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, left following an attack in Woolwich yesterday which left a serving soldier dead and his two attackers shot and injured by police.

Ministry of Defence undated handout photo of Drummer Lee Rigby, 25, from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers who was named today as the soldier hacked to death in Woolwich

Ministry of Defence undated handout photo of Drummer Lee Rigby, 25, from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers who was named today as the soldier hacked to death in Woolwich yesterday.

Woolwich Murder - Lee Rigby wedding picture CREDIT Ross Parry

Woolwich Murder - Lee Rigby wedding picture CREDIT Ross Parry

Woolwich Murder - Lee Rigby wedding picture CREDIT Ross Parry

EDITORS NOTE HOUSE NUMBER PIXELATED BY PA PICTURE DESK.A general view of the family home of murdered serviceman Lee Rigby in Middleton, Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 23, 2013. See PA story POLICE Woolwich. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

EDITORS NOTE HOUSE NUMBER PIXELATED BY PA PICTURE DESK.A general view of the family home of murdered serviceman Lee Rigby in Middleton, Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 23, 2013. See PA story POLICE Woolwich. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

EDITORS NOTE HOUSE NUMBER PIXELATED BY PA PICTURE DESK.A general view of the family home of murdered serviceman Lee Rigby in Middleton, Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 23, 2013. See PA story POLICE Woolwich. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire

A Police officer stands guard behind a cordoned off area at a block of flats in Greenwich, south east London on May 23, 2013, a day after the murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists in the nearby Woolwich district. Counter-terrorism police have launched a large-scale investigation into the killing , with officers conducting searches near the murder scene. AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

Police officers stands guard behind a cordoned off area at a block of flats in Greenwich, south east London on May 23, 2013, a day after the murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists in the nearby Woolwich district. Counter-terrorism police have launched a large-scale investigation into the killing , with officers conducting searches near the murder scene. AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

Police officers stand guard behind a cordoned off area at a block of flats in Greenwich, south east London on May 23, 2013, a day after the murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists in the nearby Woolwich district. Counter-terrorism police have launched a large-scale investigation into the killing , with officers conducting searches near the murder scene. AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

Police officers stand guard behind a cordoned off area at a block of flats in Greenwich, south east London on May 23, 2013, a day after the murder of a soldier by two suspected Islamists in the nearby Woolwich district. Counter-terrorism police have launched a large-scale investigation into the killing , with officers conducting searches near the murder scene. AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

Floral tributes outside The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as anti-terror police were today preparing to question the two men shot and injured after the Woolwich soldier killing as details about their backgrounds began to emerge.

Armed servicemen outside The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as anti-terror police were today preparing to question the two men shot and injured after the Woolwich soldier killing as details about their backgrounds began to emerge.

Armed servicemen outside The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as anti-terror police were today preparing to question the two men shot and injured after the Woolwich soldier killing as details about their backgrounds began to emerge.

Floral tributes outside The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as anti-terror police were today preparing to question the two men shot and injured after the Woolwich soldier killing as details about their backgrounds began to emerge.

Floral tributes outside The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as anti-terror police were today preparing to question the two men shot and injured after the Woolwich soldier killing as details about their backgrounds began to emerge.

A woman and her two children (names not given) lay a postcard on floral tributes outside The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich as anti-terror police were today preparing to question the two men shot and injured after the Woolwich soldier killing as details about their backgrounds began to emerge.

A tent is erected near the scene of an attack in Woolwich southeast London Wednesday, May, 22, 2013. A British official says a violent attack near a London barracks is being investigated as a possible terrorist act. Police said two men attacked another man on Wednesday. One man is dead and two others were injured. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

A floral tribute close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 22, 2013. A major police operation was launched today after two suspected terrorists murdered a man in the street in broad daylight. Eyewitnesses said the victim was hacked to death, with some suggesting his attackers tried to behead him, before charging at police when they arrived on the scene in Woolwich, south east London. A local MP said the victim was believed to be a soldier. See PA story POLICE Woolwich. Photo credit should read: Nick Ansell/PA Wire

Police activity close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich.

Men lay a floral tribute close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich.

British forensic officers attend the scene of an apparent attack which has left one man confirmed dead and two people wounded near Woolwich barracks in London Wednesday, May, 22, 2013. British officials said one person has died and at least two people have been wounded in an attack in southeast London. Scotland Yard said officers responded to reports of an assault Wednesday afternoon in the London neighbourhood of Woolwich. London Ambulance service said one man was found dead at the scene and two other men were taken to the hospital, with one in serious condition.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

British forensic officers attend the scene of an apparent attack which has left one man confirmed dead and two people wounded near Woolwich barracks in London Wednesday, May, 22, 2013. British officials said one person has died and at least two people have been wounded in an attack in southeast London. Scotland Yard said officers responded to reports of an assault Wednesday afternoon in the London neighbourhood of Woolwich. London Ambulance service said one man was found dead at the scene and two other men were taken to the hospital, with one in serious condition.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Police activity near a crashed car (rear) with a broken windscreen close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich.

NUMBER PLATES PIXELATED BY REQUEST OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE The Royal Artillery Barracks near the scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier.

The Royal Artillery Barracks near the scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier.

The Royal Artillery Barracks near the scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier.

The Metropolitan police have said that officers are attending reports of an assault on John Wilson Street in Woolwich, South-East London at 2.20pm after eyewitness reports of a shooting, amid some gruesome claims from the scene.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Scenes of Crime Officers at the scene in Woolwich following a major incident in which a man was killed, on May 22, 2013 in London, England. It has been reported that the government and police are treating the attack in Woolwich on a serving soldier as a possible terrorist attack. Police have confirmed that one man has died after being attacked in the street by two men and firearms and knives were involved in the incident. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Police forensics officers search a cordoned off area in Woolwich, east London, on May 22, 2013, following an incident in which one man was killed and two others seruiously injured. British police shot and wounded two men after a man thought to be a serving soldier was killed outside a London barracks, in an attack Prime Minister David Cameron called 'truly shocking'. In a dramatic move, the government's emergency response committee was being summoned following the killing which some eyewitness reports suggested was an attempted beheading using machete-like knives. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Scenes of Crime Officers at the scene in Woolwich following a major incident in which a man was killed, on May 22, 2013 in London, England. It has been reported that the government and police are treating the attack in Woolwich on a serving soldier as a possible terrorist attack. Police have confirmed that one man has died after being attacked in the street by two men and firearms and knives were involved in the incident. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

@Yusuf_Kayalar scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday May 22, 2013.

Mobile phone picture of incident taken by Bao-tri Tran, showing bystanders surrounding the body of the soldier, while a police officer crouches over one of the attackers

A mother confronted the Woolwich attackers, asking them to hand over their weapons and warning them: "It is only you versus many people, you are going to lose".
Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, 48, told the Daily Telegraph that one of the attackers said to her that they "want to start a war in London tonight".
The mother of two, a Cub Scout leader from Cornwall, added: "Being a Cub leader I have my first aid so when I saw this guy on the floor I thought it was an accident - then I saw the guy was dead and I could not feel any pulse.

@Yusuf_Kayalar scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday May 22, 2013.

@Yusuf_Kayalar scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday May 22, 2013.

The closed road on Artillery Place near the scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier. PA

The closed road on Artillery Place near the scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier. PA

The closed road on Artillery Place near the scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier. PA

The closed road on Artillery Place near the scene in Woolwich, south London where a man was killed and two others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following a "serious incident" understood to have involved a serving soldier. PA

BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE. Screengrab courtesy of @woolwichfinest of the scene at the junction of John Wilson Street and Wellington Street in Woolwich were a man was murdered in a terror attack.

Police activity near a crashed car (rear) with a broken windscreen close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 22, 2013. A major police operation was launched today after two suspected terrorists murdered a man in the street in broad daylight. Eyewitnesses said the victim was hacked to death, with some suggesting his attackers tried to behead him, before charging at police when they arrived on the scene in Woolwich, south east London. A local MP said the victim was believed to be a soldier. See PA story POLICE Woolwich. Photo credit should read: Nick Ansell/PA Wire

BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE. Screengrab courtesy of @woolwichfinest of the scene at the junction of John Wilson Street and Wellington Street in Woolwich were a man was murdered in a terror attack.

ALTERNATIVE CROP. Police activity near a crashed car (rear) with a broken windscreen close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich.

Police activity close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 22, 2013. A major police operation was launched today after two suspected terrorists murdered a man in the street in broad daylight. Eyewitnesses said the victim was hacked to death, with some suggesting his attackers tried to behead him, before charging at police when they arrived on the scene in Woolwich, south east London. A local MP said the victim was believed to be a soldier. See PA story POLICE Woolwich. Photo credit should read: Nick Ansell/PA Wire

Police activity close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich.

A tent is erected near the scene of an attack in Woolwich southeast London Wednesday, May, 22, 2013. British officials said one person has died and at least two people have been wounded in an attack in southeast London. Scotland Yard said officers responded to reports of an assault Wednesday afternoon in the London neighbourhood of Woolwich. London Ambulance service said one man was found dead at the scene and two other men were taken to the hospital, with one in serious condition. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Police activity close to the scene where a man was murdered in John Wilson Street, Woolwich.